Do Concrete Stain Colors Matter & More

If you’ve been researching “concrete stain colors,” chances are you want to change your garage floor, patio, or other concrete surface’s appearance. In this article, we’ll explain what concrete stains are, how to choose the right color, and if there’s a better concrete-protecting alternative.

What Is A Concrete Stain?

A concrete stain is a water, acid, or polymer-based liquid added to concrete surfaces to alter the overall appearance. Some homeowners prefer the look of unmodified concrete, while others prefer adding new colors to fit their desired aesthetic. Concrete stains will change your concrete’s appearance but will not protect it from outside elements, like UV rays, snow, or rain. This is why most professionals recommend adding a sealer to your concrete surface once the stain has cured. Without a protective coating, your stain will fade in a few years, forcing you to reapply a new stain or watch as the old one slowly fades away.

Do Concrete Stain Colors Matter?

Choosing a concrete stain color is a personal aesthetic choice. Concrete professionals can give their expert opinions on whether or not a particular stain will fit the look of your home, but the final say usually falls to the homeowner. So, how do most homeowners usually choose between different concrete stain colors?

1. The color of your home – Your home’s color (including the roof, window frames, wall paint, etc.) greatly influences the concrete stain color you choose. You can also take into account your home’s architectural style, matching the concrete stain color to its theme.
2. The stain design – Some concrete stains can be applied to create a customized design. For example, using a red stain can make your grey concrete slab look like old washed brick. Or you can use a natural stone stain to make your concrete appear as real quarried rocks.
3. Lighting – If your concrete surface is covered by trees or doesn’t receive regular sunlight, a bright stain color can help increase the light it does receive. If your surface already receives a lot of light, any color can work. But remember, stains reflect light, and a bright color may be overkill.
4. Mood – Pay attention to the atmosphere you want to create once you add a concrete stain. If you’re staining a commonly used concrete patio, choose a warm and inviting color like reds and oranges. If you want to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere, choose blues and greens.
5. The color of your vehicles – If you’re staining a concrete driveway, consider how your vehicles will look once parked. Choose a color that compliments your vehicle and doesn’t clash with its color (unless that’s your intention).
6. Price – Remember, a better quality stain (with a protective coating) will usually cost more than a poorer quality product. The total cost of a concrete stain will include labor, materials, cleanup, prep work, and your chosen design. Most concrete stains are about $2 to $4 per square foot, but keep in mind not all stains are the same.
7. Type of stain – The two most common concrete stains are: acid-based and water-based. Acid stains are able to penetrate the pores of the concrete surface and last much longer than other types. While water-based stains have more color options and are user-friendly since they’re non-toxic.
8. Use of space – Concrete coating professionals always recommend considering how you will use your concrete space. If it’s going to receive a lot of foot traffic, you might want to choose a color that hides footprints or tracks. If you are staining a concrete driveway, choose a color able to handle oil leaks or gasoline spills.

Is A Concrete Stain The Best Choice?

If you want to change only the appearance of your concrete surface, then a stain is the right choice. Most professionals consider concrete stains as temporary improvements that need to be redone every few years. Some homeowners don’t mind repeating the process every few years (perhaps even changing the color), but we know most people enjoy a lasting product worth every cent.

For indoor concrete surfaces, like garage and basement floors, we recommend an epoxy coating. For outdoor concrete or wooden decks, we recommend a waterproof deck coating (rubberized membrane). Both systems protect your concrete surface from discoloration, fading, moisture damage, and accidental spills. These coatings cost more than typical concrete stains, but they are worth the investment. If you’ve ever noticed pitting or honeycombing on concrete slabs, it’s because they weren’t protected properly.

Most homeowners don’t realize they need to replace their entire concrete slab before it’s too late, leaving them with a lengthy and costly concrete project.

Concrete Stain Colors Near Me

If you want to know more about concrete stain colors or other coating options, call Complete Concrete Coatings. Our team of experts have installed thousands of concrete stains in all types of colors across the greater Salt Lake City area. If you’re unsure if you want a stain or something stronger, call and ask for a free inspection and estimate.